Joint Preservation, Resurfacing and Replacement
The joint preservation, resurfacing and replacement program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University is recognized nationally as an innovative orthopedic program for both hip and knee reconstruction or replacement. Washington University orthopedic surgeons perform more than 1,200 procedures annually, making Barnes-Jewish one the nation’s largest providers of hip replacements and knee replacements.
Our multidisciplinary team of physicians, rehabilitation therapists and nurses is committed to providing comprehensive services for joint preservation, resurfacing, reconstruction and partial or total joint replacement. A wide range of joint repair and replacement options are available, including:
- Hip replacement (total joint replacement)
- Hip resurfacing
- Hip fracture repair
- Hip impingement procedures
- Hip arthroscopy
- Knee arthroscopy
- Revision total joint replacement (also called revision arthroplasty) to repair joint implants
- Knee replacement
- Mini-incision unicondylar knee arthroplasty (MIS UKA)
- Osteotomy (joint preserving operation of the hip and knee)
- Core decompression and bone grafting procedures
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
- Arthrodesis (also called joint fusion) for end-stage degenerative disease in young adults
Hip Replacement & Knee Replacement
Washington University orthopedic surgeons specializing in joint preservation and replacement are experts in surgical techniques designed to preserve as much bone and function as possible. When a partial or total joint replacement becomes necessary, multidisciplinary care begins with specialized diagnostic imaging and a comprehensive evaluation of optimal treatment options. Revision total joint replacements, which are new joint replacements in patients whose previous implant has failed because of loosening or fracture, also are performed.
Medical conditions that can benefit from primary joint replacement of the hip or knee include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Osteonecrosis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Developmental hip dysplasia
Rehabilitation for those undergoing either joint reconstruction or replacement begins immediately after surgery. The rehabilitation team helps patients progress through a range of rehabilitation exercises to enhance range of motion and strengthening around the joint. Programs are personalized for each patient based on their condition and type of surgery. In an outpatient setting, patients increase their ability to bear weight while walking, and strive to walk without an assistance device.
Hip Resurfacing
Hip resurfacing is a newer alternative to total hip replacement for some younger patients. Most candidates for hip resurfacing are 60 years of age or younger and are highly active. Patients must have good bone density and minimal deformity of limb shortening. For properly selected patients, remarkable results can be achieved.
Hip Procedures for Younger Adults
Specialized diagnostic equipment and treatment options available at Barnes-Jewish enable surgeons to treat hip deformities at earlier ages. Specific disorders in young adults can be evaluated for joint preserving operations, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteonecrosis of the femoral head
- Post-traumatic nonunion and malunion of the proximal femur
- Early osteoarthritis
- Old slipped capital femoral epiphyses
- Perthes’ deformities of the hips